grey squares when I print to tape

Hi all,

I'm working with a G4 Powerbook and am trying to print to mini-DV tape on my JVC BR-DV3000. The way I have my system set up is: the deck runs via firewire cable into my firewire drive, which is connected to the laptop via firewire cable. (this works fine for capturing footage)

The problem I'm experiencing is the tape I'm trying to print video on, shows grey, yellow, and pink squares instead of the video footage.

Is there anything I should be doing different?
Would a firewire hub help the situation? (as is my laptop only has 1 6-pin firewire port).

Thanks so much for your time and advice,

Isaac